Check out the Steinhart Ocean One series. It’s really good value for very reasonable money. Swiss made, steel, sapphire crystal. I have had a couple and been very pleased with them.

Great guidance. One thing that occurred to me -- I didn't give an example of the watch use in the dark. The activity requires that I pack my camp in X minutes (less than ten), move to a rally point in Y minutes, and then traverse fields and woods in a sequence of headings and distance over four hours time before sunrise. In the dark, using only headlamps. The more I think about this, the more I believe excellent self-illumination is of benefit. And, with the need to be somewhere in Y minutes, the rotating bezel of a dive watch could be very useful. We have to know how much time is left in the event.

quote:

Originally posted by 4MUL8R:
Great guidance. One thing that occurred to me -- I didn't give an example of the watch use in the dark. The activity requires that I pack my camp in X minutes (less than ten), move to a rally point in Y minutes, and then traverse fields and woods in a sequence of headings and distance over four hours time before sunrise. In the dark, using only headlamps. The more I think about this, the more I believe excellent self-illumination is of benefit. And, with the need to be somewhere in Y minutes, the rotating bezel of a dive watch could be very useful. We have to know how much time is left in the event.

^^^
The Luminox that David offered here will tick all those criteria fabulously. I’ve never had a watch that is as bright at night.

Ball have very low prices gray market/used and they would also be bright.

How about a Seiko 7S26-0020 Divers Watch?

I have had one since the mid-80’s when I was in the 10th SF Group. I lost it on the drop zone at Ft Devens in 1987. I was standing in the door of a C-130 and made a sloppy exit. The band broke and plummeted to earth from 2500 ft. I searched and searched and found it a few month later. Bought a new band, cleaned it up, and continued wearing it for years.

I bought a paracord survival band from someone here many years ago.

This is not my watch but it is the same model.


I have not worn it in a long time and it is just collecting dust on my dresser.

It is yours if you want it. I have a small wrist so you may need a new band.

Casio G-Shock. I believe that is the choice of most special ops guys as it is an extremely durable watch that can handle pretty much everything you described in the original post. They even make one called the “Mudmaster”.

If you want one that’s a little prettier and still wicked durable, the MT-G is a metal version. Same capabilities, but it looks fancier and feels a little heavier on the wrist.

The G-Shock also has an alarm, and a chronograph, so all things requested could be had with that watch.

quote:

Originally posted by SW_Sig:
How about a Seiko 7S26-0020 Divers Watch?

I have had one since the mid-80’s when I was in the 10th SF Group. I lost it on the drop zone at Ft Devens in 1987. I was standing in the door of a C-130 and made a sloppy exit. The band broke and plummeted to earth from 2500 ft. I searched and searched and found it a few month later. Bought a new band, cleaned it up, and continued wearing it for years.

I bought a paracord survival band from someone here many years ago.

This is not my watch but it is the same model.


I have not worn it in a long time and it is just collecting dust on my dresser.

It is yours if you want it. I have a small wrist so you may need a new band.

The open-handedness and generosity of folks on this forum is a lesson to Mankind.

^^ Agreed.

I'd echo the nod to the GShocks.

Another I don't think mentioned thus far, and as 'bomb proof' as you're likely to find in an analog: Victorinox INOX line, particularly their 'Professional Diver' model if you want a little more presence. The only druthers (for me) is I prefer the Arabic Numbers faces vs markers/indices.

Deep Blue also has some very solid watches at a decent price point with full on Tritium...some of their mid-to-higher pieces have a Marathon-ish vibe to them.

Another 'lesser known' - Reactor...they have some decent watches and their 'Never Dark' faces aren't bad (but not as good as full-on tritium IMHO). They also don't use spring bars for attaching the bracelet to the watch, so stronger in that regard.

One other coming to mind: Bertucci...they've got some nice watches that won't break your budget.



I will add this: if you really do need night ops and want an analog...go Tritium...there's lots of good lumes out there, but none of them are truly 'all night', IMHO...despite the advertising. That means Luminox, Marathon, Ball, Deep Blue, etc...

Last but not least, if you're trying to 'keep up with the fellow officers' in the Marathon space, I know of a nice appearing white face MSAR for sale at a decent price, no relation, but if interested, email me and I'll point you in that direction.

Good luck,
Boss

Just shaking my head in amazement at SW_Sig's offer.

With the incredible story of this Seiko, I couldn't help but ask AI for some basic physics / aerodynamics insights. For a 110 gram watch, with appropriate frontal area assumptions, the terminal velocity was estimated at 44 mph, and the force on the watch calculated to be about 100 pounds (depending on the duration of the deceleration as it hits the earth). [All the equations are correct--AI nailed the formulae and application. I remember them all from my education.]

Can you imagine a tougher watch? Put your prized watch on the garage floor and drop a 100-pound kettlebell on it. OK, maybe only a 50-pound weight since you are so out of shape!

To be worn with appreciation for the SF service of its owner!

^^Outstanding. That's the kind of value you can't buy.

Well done.

Boss

My hard charging days are over. My son is a Captain in the 11th Airborne Division, Arctic Airborne Angels, but his tastes run towards the higher end.

Time to pass on my old faithful watch to another.

https://longislandwatch.com/is...ch-bracelet-brac-06/

I added one of these bracelets to my Seiko SKX009 and it took it to the next level.

A very generous offer indeed. I’m pretty sure this bracelet will fit. They are a bit tricky to install since the end links are solid.

quote:

Originally posted by SW_Sig:
I have not worn it in a long time and it is just collecting dust on my dresser.

It is yours if you want it. I have a small wrist so you may need a new band.

Class act.

quote:

Originally posted by 4MUL8R:
Can you imagine a tougher watch?

I'm wearing one of those right now.

It took me a long time (and some convincing from others here) to finally decide to make the purchase. I don't regret it a bit.


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An amazing offer from SW_Sig.